Local groups publish newsletters because SCA policy requires them to do so.

Has this changed? When I was kingdom chronicler (a long time ago, granted), the requirement was that baronies and above (but not shires and below) have chroniclers. It didn't actually require newsletters to be published -- a fact I noted and decided to remain quiet about. :-)

You might reasonably point out that a chronicler without a newsletter isn't doing an awful lot -- and I'd counter with A&S officer in many groups.